N.M. football roundup: Scorpions, Tigers advance in state playoffs

By Santiago Ramos Jr.
Special to the Times

GRANTS – Farmington and Aztec both advanced in their respective opening round games this past weekend after posting close wins during the first round of the New Mexico High School State Football Championships.

The No. 11 Farmington Scorpions knocked off No. 6 Volcano Vista 31-21 Friday night in the opening round of the Class 6A state football playoffs.

The No. 6 Aztec Tigers turned back No. 11 Taos 21-14 Saturday night at home during the opening round of the Class 4A state football playoffs.

No. 8 Grants scored first but faded in a 35-7 loss to No. 9 Albuquerque Academy Friday night at home in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs.

In Class 3A, No. 8 Thoreau was toppled by No. 9 Raton 35-8 Saturday afternoon while No. 12 Navajo Prep lost to No. 5 New Mexico Military Institute 48-8 Saturday on the road.

Farmington 31, Volcano Vista 21

Farmington took care of Volcano Vista 31-21 Friday night at Nusenda Community Stadium in first round action in Class 6A.

“We played as a complete team and came up with a huge playoff victory,” Farmington head coach Jeff Dalton said. “Our defense was phenomenal, forcing five turnovers. Our offense was the best it’s been all season. We are getting hot at the right time and look forward to another chance at La Cueva in the quarterfinals.”

Scorpions senior quarterback Trel Griego, who also had 53 yards rushing, played an outstanding game against Volcano Vista, passing for 410 yards on 23-of-44 passes with five touchdowns.

Junior wide receiver Michael Beck had nine receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Jace Vigil had six receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Alex Serrano had two catches for 68 yards and one touchdown.

No. 11 Farmington (6-5) will now have a rematch with No. 3 ranked La Cueva (7-3) Friday night at 7 p.m. at Wilson Stadium in Albuquerque. The Bears pounded the Scorpions 63-28 in an earlier meeting last month.

In Class 5A, No. 3 Piedra Vista (5-5) will host No. 6 Valley (8-3) Friday night in Farmington at 7 p.m. in the state quarterfinals. The Panthers received an opening round bye.

Aztec 21, Taos 14

No. 6 Aztec turned back No. 11 Taos 21-14 Saturday night in Aztec in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

Aztec broke a 14-14 tie with the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter to advance into the state quarterfinals.

Aztec senior quarterback Landan Frost, who rushed for 35 yards on three carries and one score, completed 7-of-12 passes for 87 yards.

Aztec pounded out 240 yards rushing with senior running back Baylor Seabolt with 17 carries for 205 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Aztec (7-4) will travel down to Silver (8-2) Saturday for a state quarterfinal contest at 1 p.m.

Academy 35, Grants 7

No. 8 Grants scored their first and only touchdown in the opening quarter of the first round of the Class 4A state football playoffs Friday night. But No. 9 Albuquerque Academy reeled off 35 unanswered points en route to an easy 35-7 road win in Grants.

The Pirates ended the season with a 6-5 record.

After receiving an opening round bye this past week, No. 3 seed and unbeaten and defending 4A state champ Bloomfield (10-0) will entertain Albuquerque Academy (6-5) Saturday afternoon at 1 pm. in a state quarterfinal contest.

Bloomfield head coach Mike Kovacs said that playing against the Chargers will be challenging.

“Our previous encounters with Albuquerque Academy have been memorable and challenging,” Kovacs said. “I believe this upcoming playoff match will be no exception. The rivalry between our two teams has always brought out the best in both of us, and I can’t wait to see the intensity and passion that will unfold on the day of the game.”

Kovacs said that he appreciates the support of the Bloomfield fans.

“As we prepare for this significant matchup, I wanted to express my gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication that our team has received from the school and the entire community,” he said. “Their support has been a driving force behind our success, and we are determined to make them all proud.”

Kovacs emphasized that his team will be focused on trying to repeat as state champions.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparations, and our team is more focused and determined than ever,” he said. “We have committed to giving it our all on the field and leaving everything out there. Regardless of the outcome, I am confident that this game will be a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that binds us together.”

Raton 35, Thoreau 8

The visiting No. 9 Raton Tigers grabbed a commanding 35-0 lead after three quarters en route to cruising to a 35-8 road win Saturday afternoon over No. 8 Thoreau in the opening round of the Class 3A state football playoffs.

Raton (5-6) raced to a 21-0 lead in the opening quarter and added single scores in the second and third quarters.

Thoreau, which was coming into the game with a five-game winning streak, avoided a shutout on a passing touchdown from Thoreau senior quarterback Isaac Bear Eagle to sophomore wide receiver Jordan Calladitto in the final quarter.

Thoreau finished the season at 7-4.

NMMI 48, Navajo Prep 8

No. 5 seed New Mexico Military Institute rolled over No. 12 Navajo Prep 48-8 Saturday afternoon in Roswell in the opening round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

The Colts erupted for 28 points in the opening quarter while the Eagles scored their only points in the first quarter. NMMI added seven more points in the second quarter and put the game away with 13 points in the third quarter.

Navajo Prep finished the season at 5-6.

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